Not as big as other chapters, I know, but I hope it's not too short.
Chapter Eleven: Love, Life and Reality.
Ashe lay awake, warmly wrapped in her love's arms as he slept soundly. Never before had she felt such rapture. Basch was insatiable, his body giving into exhaustion after hours of ravenous lovemaking, and she suspected that more was to come. Even in his slumber, his body screamed out his desire for her, with a subtle stroke of his fingers or a faint spasm of his hips.
She watched him, the small gruff moans that escaped his lips kept Ashe alert for more of his attentions. She wanted him to wake, to continue what he started a few hours earlier; in her had awoken a yearning that only he could satisfy. Whether it was his size, his ability or the way his eyes never had anything other than love in them for her. She knew that she needed him, the man she loved from afar, the man she loved who had spent nearly every agonising moment of her teen years (With the exception of her two cruel years on the run) tantalisingly close without the satisfaction of touching him and now the man who lay naked at her side for now and forever.
"Ashe," he breathed in a gruff tone, instantly rolling onto his side, awake. She offered up no resistance as he crawled above her, kissing her and worshiping her with his tongue and lips. Again, she tried her hardest to remain quiet, but every now and again, a small gasp would slip from her and was forcibly yet affectionately silenced with his gentle kiss.
Again and again, the two came together in heated passion until; all too soon, the sun rose, ending their night of amorous exaltation. Basch retreated from her bed, quickly dressing in the clothing he arrived in, not bothering about the buttons he had lost and left without a word.
Ashe was left breathless and naked on the bed, still hungering for her lover to return; but the sound of the house coming alive put her hopes back where they belonged. She too, dressed quickly, noting that the day will be bright, sunny and perfect.
Basch greeted his fiancé with a warm and loving kiss, as though they had been apart for weeks not minutes, "Good morning; my beloved. Sleep well?"
Ashe nearly smiled at the performance he put on for his aunt's benefit, "I did, thank you." He escorted her to her position at the grand wooden table, aiding her in every way he could.
"Basch," Aunty Ingra called, "I believe you have some news for us." The entire table turned to the now blushing Judge.
Again, his silent motions answered his Aunt's enquiry; lifting Ashe's jewelled hand for all to see, the children not hiding their excitement. "Can I call you mummy?" B.J. asked innocently.
The Queen laughed, "Yes you can," she answered; the boy jumping from his chair, racing around the table and hurtled himself into her arms.
"You are the best birthday present ever!" he cried, hugging her excitedly, "Can I have a baby brother?"
Basch could not believe his ears, his astonishment at the boy's brazen request evident on his face. "I don't think it works that way."
"I'll try," Ashe smiled, reaching for Basch's hand, "if that's okay with you."
"Please, daddy," B.J.'s eyes appealed to his adopted father, "I'll be real good, I promise!"
"And what if you get a baby sister, when the time comes?" the patriarch asked.
"Dad, I think you and our new mum can have more than one baby," the young boy said in a matter of fact way, as though informing Basch that is was possible.
"You're too young to know anything about that."
"You own a Chocobo ranch," Ashe giggled, "I'm sure he knows it all, is it not breeding season?"
"Aye it is and thank you for reminding me of my duties here, Love," Basch, grumbled playfully. "B.J. eat your breakfast, you'll be helping me move Vossler into the yard with rest of the flock."
"You named your bull Chocobo Vossler?" Ashe asked, half amused.
"The children named him Vossler," Basch explained, "I would tell them stories of our adventures through Ivalice so they would go to bed."
Ashe smiled at him, before turning to eat her breakfast.
Fran looked on, watching the joyous display with saddened eyes. "What troubles you?" Tal asked the Viera.
"Nothing," she sighed, forcing a smile, "They're so happy."
"They are," Tal grinned, "yet something is bothering you." He reached to hold her hand, "What is it?"
"Not now," she said, her lip quivering briefly before returning to her calm stature.
"You wish to feel what they feel," Tal uttered quietly into her ear.
"Yes," she replied, equally as quiet.
"You can," his words seducing her, "If you'll let me." She knew that look, the same look he had all those years ago.
"Tal, can we talk about this later?" Fran asked, giving him a reassuring glance, "Now is not the time to talk about this, it's their day, let them have it."
The General sighed, "All right, but I'm holding you to it." He kissed her hand, "I can promise you."
After breakfast, everyone went his or her separate ways; Ashe watched Basch leave with B.J. to their duties for the Chocobos. The young boy jumped into Basch's arms, who lifted the child onto his shoulders and pretended to be a Chocobo for him. The Queen grinned at the sight, she had learned more about Basch in the last few days than she had all her life.
She was drawn out of her musings by Kestra's gentle tapping on her shoulder. Ashe turned to the young mute girl, "Hello Kes," she greeted her, still smiling. The girl grabbed Ashe's hand and tugged, begging her to follow. She did so, accompanying Kestra out into the wooded garden she and Basch wandered through the previous night.
The girl stopped, she looked distressed, "I had a nightmare about you!" she blurted out unexpectedly.
"Kes!" Ashe responded with shock, "You talked!"
"He's after you!" Kestra cried, hugging the Queen tightly around her waist, sobbing.
"What? Who?" Ashe stroked the little girl's hair, "And when did you start talking?"
"The monster," she wept, "He wants you for something bad!"
"I don't understand," The Queen crouched down, "What's this all about?"
"I had a dream that you were taken away," Kestra choked, her sad eyes did not blink as Ashe tried to calm her.
"Is that all," Ashe sighed, pulling the girl into a hug, "you had me worried, there."
"But it was so real!" she argued, "so scary!"
"Dreams are like that, sweetie," Ashe explained, "I had similar dreams about your father."
"Didn't you get scared?"
"More than you can imagine," they stood there for a moment before moving on.
"What should I call you?" Kestra asked plainly.
"Anything you like," the Queen replied, "As long as it's nothing too cheeky."
The girl giggled, "Okay mum," she leaned her head on Ashe's arm, "can you not tell anyone that I spoke; I just want to be left alone."
"Alright. Your secret's safe with me."
Vossler, the Bull Chocobo stomped his feet on the straw covered floor; he called loudly as Basch and B.J. entered the old barn. "You what day it is, don't you boy!" B.J. called, laughing.
Basch approached the large Chocobo, his feathers ruffled with excitement, "easy there, boy," he stroked the birds neck, calming him so Basch could loop he rope around his neck.
Larsa peeked around the door of the barn; he never witnessed such mundane activities before. He knew they happened but never seen it with his own eyes. He watched Basch lead the massive bird out of his pen, with B.J. rushing ahead to open the doors. The Emperor retreated behind a near by tree, as they exited the barn in a small procession, Larsa followed.
Vossler pulled against the tether as they neared the field where the female flock browsed. B.J. again rushed ahead to open the gate. Basch lost his grip on the rope and the Bull Chocobo rushed into the paddock. Larsa laughed, alerting them to his presence.
"I was wondering when you would join us, My Lord," Basch smirked, helping him to his feet.
"I'm sorry," Larsa mumbled, "I wasn't sure I was welcome."
"You're always welcome," B.J. said forthrightly, "you're our Emperor; you can do anything you wish."
Larsa smiled at the naivety of the boy; "I still abide by the same courtesy that you live by."
"His Lordship is right, however," Basch leaned against the fence post, "he should have known that I see him as family and shouldn't be shy about wanting to join in."
Larsa became uncomfortable, kicking a clump of grass as the three of them walked back to the house.
"There's trouble," Basch chuckled, watching the twins with Kytes and Filo make their way to the town.
Carla looked at the picture Johan handed her, "She's the one you need?" the brunette asked, frowning at the beautiful image. Johan removed his shirt, his hairy torso slick with perspiration from his workout earlier.
"She is crucial to the plan," the large blond grinned, "Not jealous are we?" his sarcasm cutting her more than she let on. She peeled off her clothing to please him; he nodded his approval.
"No," she shot back, "a little old fashioned isn't it?"
"The classics never go wrong," he patted the bed, "come now; show me your loyalty." Carla slid into the bed with him and he did not wait to begin his entertainment.
"I don't think it's a good idea," she insisted, not participating in Johan's plans for the morning, "I think it will back fire."
"Nonsense," he mumbled from her thighs, "it will be fine."
"What has the Judge Magister done that has got you so riled?" she asked, still not reacting to his efforts.
"He is a traitor to the Republic, running to the Empire when things got tough," his snarl reverberating through Carla's hips, "I want him to suffer as much as our countrymen did."
"Why not kill him and be done with it," she asked, "then we can have that family you promised me." She gave him a hopeful gaze.
"I have spent years planning this; I will have satisfaction in knowing that turn coat will beg for his death."
The small hamlet of Ronsenburg had adapted to Archadian rule quite well. Those who survived rebuilt in the classic Landian style with many Archadian indulgences; cafés, boutique shoes, clothing and lingerie, gourmet delicatessens, bakeries and restaurants and a bed and breakfast with quaint country charm.
Ulrike and Valdar spent most of their days in town after school with their friends at the café; today they would introduce their new friends Filo and Kytes to the pleasures of Ronsenburg. Autumn meant that the swimming hole was too cold, the thermal spring was off limits so everyone had fun sipping exotic beverages and going to the junior dances held at the beginning of every month.
The group met with a couple of boys from the local school, "Hello Alwin, Heinz," Ulrike hailed the two teens, who looked happy to see the girls, "We want you to meet some friends of ours," they all sat around a cramped little table, "this is Filo and Kytes; they're from Rabanastre."
"You must be cold," Heinz chuckled, "I bet you don't get much ice and snow in Dalmasca."
"No," Kytes agreed, "luckily enough."
Filo jumped in, "but we've been all over Ivalice with Vaan and Penelo," she grinned proudly, "We're Sky Pirates, good Sky Pirates, we help people as well as find treasure."
"Wow!" Alwin cried, "You must be rich!"
"Not that rich," Kytes shrugged, "maintaining a sky ship is expensive, we do it for the adventure more than anything else."
"I'm going to buy a new scarf," Valdar informed the group, "a nice woollen one with matching gloves for the beginning of school." She strolled off to one of the clothing stores along the main road.
"What does she do with the old ones?" Heinz asked, watching the girl walk away.
"She gives them to Kestra, who tosses them in her wardrobe," Ulrike waved off the question as though it were nothing.
"Doesn't Kestra like you?" Filo asked, but the Archadian interceptor that flew low over the town distracted her attention. "What's that doing here?"
The youths looked up, equally curious as to why it would be there. "We should probably get back," Kytes said to Filo.
She agreed and they both ran back to the estate, leaving Ulrike, Alwin and Heinz at the café to wait for Valdar.
Zargabaath fought to keep his eyes open, after learning that Larsa was no longer in Rabanastre gave him a sense of relief, if he found it hard to find the Emperor, then whoever destroyed the Senate would not find him. He was relieved his flight was nearly at an end, the landing pad at Basch's home never looked so beautiful. The aircraft landed silently, however the occupants of the house were already standing by, awaiting his reason for the visit.
"To what do we owe the pleasure?" Ingra asked, as the hatch opened, "You look terrible, is everything alright?" She offered the Judge her arm to help steady his decent.
"Thank you Mrs Falk," Zargabaath uttered as she guided him into the kitchen for a warm drink.
"Now, now," Ingra berated him, "We've known each other for years; I think you can call me Ingra by now." She handed him a hot cup of tea and some biscuits.
"Habit of a life time, ma'am," his words sounded pained, "I couldn't …"
Basch rushed into the kitchen, "Is all well?" he demanded, leaning on the table, "has something happened?"
"Alas," Zargabaath bowed his head, "The senate is no more."
"What do you mean no more, has there a revolt?"
"No revolt, no coup," he explained calmly, "the Senate dissolved into the air, destroyed by some unseen force."
The colour drained from Basch's face, "An unseen force," he repeated as he lowered himself into a chair, "When did this happen?"
"Yesterday," the older Judge informed him, "around midday, I was fortunate not to be in the Senate when the attack happened."
Larsa entered, also pale; it was obvious he had been listening at the door, "How is the city?"
"Under martial law, Judge Magister Maar is overseeing the peacekeeping in Archades," Zargabaath sighed, feeling his fatigue more so since arriving, "I will resume once I return to the Capital. I would advise that his lordship remain here and live as a commoner until we have secured the Empire."
"What of the Wedding?" Larsa asked, "Will that have to be postponed?"
Basch wished to know this too, he could not bare the thought of waiting longer, now that he and Ashe could finally be together.
"I don't see a need for that," the Judge said reassuringly, "I think it would be a good idea to move it forward, to boost moral in the Empire. Judge Magister?"
"Yes," Basch answered, attempting not to smile, it would be inappropriate considering the circumstances.
"You appeared to recognise the attack; do you know something of the invisible assailants?"
Basch and Larsa filled Zargabaath in about the Children of Landis; the senior Judge absorbed every scrap of information, "We are expecting Balthier to return from Bhujerba with more information about the Rozzarian ship they use. With any luck we will get what we need to find it so we can destroy it."
"I hope you're right Gabranth," Zargabaath yawned, "Mrs Falk …"
"Ingra," she corrected him, crossing her arms."
"I require a place to sleep before I return to Archades with Judge Magister Gabranth to brief the Magistrate." The Judge stretched his back, yawning again.
"Gerhold," the Elderly woman chastised, "You can't take Basch away from the children; he only arrived yesterday."
"He will return after a day," he gave her a subtly grin, "I trust you and your companions will protect the young Lord until his return."
"You know I will," the woman softened, "I'll find you something to fill your belly and prepare a bed for you to rest."
"Should we see what that's about?" Vaan asked his blond companion, refering to the arrival of the Archadian ship. He and Penelo sat in a small garden room with a pond populated with tiny silver fish at the rear of the manor.
"It's Archadian business," Penelo commented, "I bet you a thousand gil."
Vaan scratched at his scared chest, "So why aren't you with Larsa?" his question sounding less friendly than he intended.
"Don't scratch at it!" she cried, her scowl causing him to shrink back, "And I'm here with you because you need me right now."
"Who says I need you?" he spat, sulking like a small child, "You always spend time with him whenever he's around."
"You're jealous? Is that what this is about?" she did not bother restraining her anger; she figured he was still suffering from the affects of the poison from that thing he killed. "You're not yourself."
"Oh I'm perfectly fine," he scoffed, "I could be out there hunting down those bastards who went after Ashe!" he stood up, "See," he danced around, "Perfectly fine!"
"Don't be stupid, Vaan," Penelo tried to get him to sit down again, "you need to rest."
"I have had too much rest!" he openly yelled at her, "I am not a child Penelo, I'm a grown man; I can handle a few scratches!"
"It's not the scratches I'm worried about!" she screamed, tears forming out of rage in her eyes, "We still don't know what that stuff was that thing pumped into you!"
"I'm fine," he growled, his eyes flashing menacingly, "I feel fine, and I am not putting up with this anymore." He marched past her and down the path.
"Vaan!" Penelo ran after him, "You can't! You don't know the area!"
"Watch me," he disappeared into the scrub, "Don't wait up!"
She stopped at the edge of the forest, deflated and worried.
The Strahl docked at the Aerodrome, the faint sent of Golmore blended with the salt of the sea drifted on the breezy air. Bhujerba celebrated the Autumn Equinox with a festival of light; a weeklong event with feasting, singing and dancing in the streets by day and at night the sky lights up with an elaborate pyrotechnical display. Every household had prepared an authentic Bhujerban banquet, each different from their neighbour, and presented it on long tables for all to enjoy. Balthier strolled down the road, picking at the many dishes available, some sweet, some spicy, some sour, some all of the above. "Care for some curry?" a middle-aged woman asked him, offering a cardboard bowl filled with the yellow, spiced stew.
"Thank you," he accepted the offering and continued on his way.
Slowly he wandered the streets looking for the Rozzarian Prince, when he heard a rapid argument from one of the stores, followed by Al-Cid slamming the door as he left it. "Balthier!" he cried, spotting him, "Please tell me it's you! Want a drink at the Cloudborne?"
"Depends," the suave pirate responded, "You buying?"
"Why not?"
The two settled into a secluded corner of the bar, two frothy ales in front of them, "So what brings you to Bhujerba?" Al-Cid asked, "I doubt it's for the festival."
"It's not for a honeymoon either, unfortunately," Balthier leaned back, trying not to look serious, "I do not know if you are aware of the trouble our good friend the Queen has been through."
"The only thing I have been troubled with has been my Beloved's," he stressed the last word bitterly, "Endeavour to by the entire floating Isle. I might as well through a tow cable on it and drag it back to Rozzaria … it would be cheaper."
"There is a new enemy to battle," Balthier explained, "The Children of Landis."
"I have never heard of them," the prince confessed, "Are they dangerous?"
"They are using, at least, what we have been lead to believe, a stolen Rozzarian warship with cloaking abilities and stratospheric flight," the pirate waited for Al-Cid's response.
He swore, in Rozzarian, "the bastards who stole the Vengeance!" he thumped the table hard, causing a small portion of beer to spill from the glasses; "If they have the Vengeance, expect mass devastation, she has been equipped with a weapon that matches the Bahamut."
"Has the Rozzarian military have the ability to track it?"
"If we did we would have it back by now," He sighed, flicking a lock of hair back behind his ear, "we have been working to find a way to detect the ship, but so far it has been for naught."
Balthier tapped his finger on the table, trying to ease his frustration, "They tried to kill Ashelia," he said, not lifting his eyes from his beverage.
Al-Cid froze, "She has harmed none," he cried, restraining his anger, "the woman is a saint!"
The Pirate sighed, "These barbarians care little for who is saintly and who isn't," he now looked at the Rozzarian Aristocrat, "can we rely on Rozzaria's aide in finding and defeating them?"
"You have my word; Rozzaria will do its part in the preservation of peace."
Great news! As well as my two current creations, I have started on another two! One is a sequal to Fall of the Republic and the other is one on it's own and is a bit of an experiment that is not for young eyes. Both are in a dire need of titles.